Sharjeel asks Centre to prioritise Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway project

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Thursday the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway is not just a matter for the Sindh government but for the entire country.

The motorway is essential for the country's economy as it supports businesses nationwide, he said while speaking to a delegation of the Court Reporters Association in Karachi on Thursday.

The federal government should prioritise the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway project and begin work as soon as possible so that the entire nation can benefit, he suggested.

The delegation, which included Liaquat Ali Rana, Amin Anwar, Asghar Umar, Azam Zahrani, Sajid Awan, Shahid Hussain and Zafar Soomro, met with Senior Minister Memon.

Talking to journalists, Memon said the Sindh government has taken several steps for the welfare and professional development of journalists. He also highlighted the important role of court reporters in maintaining transparency and accountability within the judicial system.

He told the delegation that fitness certificates are being issued for old buses, but there are only two inspectors in Karachi, who are insufficient to cover all the vehicles. Moreover, each department has a specific role, and if each department performs its responsibilities efficiently, many problems can be resolved. He also noted that the Red Line BRT project includes the pipeline of the K-4 water project along with other utilities, which has caused some delays. Despite several challenges, work on the BRT project is progressing rapidly. He further mentioned that work on the BRT was halted during the caretaker government, resulting in delays and difficulties for the public.

Memon said Karachi needs 15,000 buses to meet the growing demand for public transport, and the Sindh government is actively purchasing double-decker buses along with other buses. The People’s Bus Service has been launched in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, and Sukkur. The Sindh government is working to provide services like the People’s Bus Service in every city of the province.

He said that to reduce traffic pressure on Karachi’s roads, illegal bus stands have been relocated outside the city. A command-and-control center has been established to monitor the People’s Bus Service, where every activity in the bus service will be tracked, and complaints will be addressed in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister Memon stated that Sindh's concerns over water management are not unfounded. He said water is a common right for everyone, and starting any project without consensus is not an appropriate approach.

In response to the statement by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Memon, stated that the 1991 Water Accord mandates the fair distribution of water among all provinces, including Sindh, and Azma Bukhari should first understand the ground realities before making a statement.

He stated that we want prosperity across Pakistan and the development of the agricultural sector. Small farmers need maximum support and facilities, and Sindh's stance on the water issue is very clear.